Body image psychologist to visit UVSC

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A local body image psychologist will be speaking about eating disorders at UVSC on Nov. 7.

Nicole Hawkins, clinical director of Orem’s Center for Change, will be speaking on the media’s influence on body image and eating disorders at a workshop sponsored by the UVSC Student Health Services Wellness Program.

"This is a really big workshop," said Wellness Program Coordinator Amy Grubbs. "Eating disorders are huge on all college campuses across the nation, and our campus is no exception."

According to Grubbs, the workshop is not tailored to any specific group. "Everybody knows somebody who has a problem with this," Grubbs said, adding that men as well as women will have eating disorders.

Hawkins will discuss the media’s role in creating the ideal body image and will share things students can do to dispel myths about this ideal. She will also speak about the artificial tactics actors use to achieve their good looks. "A lot of times they don’t even look like that," Grubbs explained.

Hawkins, who holds a Ph.D. in clinical/counseling psychology, has spoken at UVSC every fall and winter semester for the past five years. She has developed a body image program and has written several articles on the media’s contribution to eating disorders. She also presents nationally. "She just does a great job," Grubbs said.

The workshop will be held on Nov. 7 at 12 p.m. in SC 206 A&B. It is free and open to the public.